Web desk: India’s movie Dhurandhar is trending across social media.
The film has attracted major attention; however, a closer look reveals the hidden layers of anti-Pakistan propaganda, misogyny, gore and glamorisation of crime.
Some characters in the movie are based on real people from the Lyari gang. Of course, we can not ignore the uncanny resemblance to real people as well.
These include Rehman Baloch, Aslam Chaudhry, and some Pakistani officials.
Dhurandhar: Rehman Baloch
Rehman Baloch’s real name was Sardar Abdul Rehman Baloch.
He belonged to a Baloch family. In the 1960s, he reportedly became involved in illegal activities related to smuggling.
He grew up in a troubled environment. By the age of 13, he was allegedly involved in gang activities. He was also accused of killing his mother in 1995. After that, he became notorious.
After 2001, he became the leader of the Lyari gang. He founded the People’s Aman Committee (PAC) to present himself as a public leader.
During his leadership, the Lyari gang wars caused hundreds of deaths. On 9 August 2009, Rehman Dakait was killed in a police encounter.
SP Aslam Khan
The second key character is SP Aslam Khan. He is shown as a strong and brave officer in Karachi, but is portrayed negatively in the film.
Historically, SP Aslam Khan played a major role in maintaining peace in Karachi from 2008 to 2017.
He led operations against gang wars, targeted killings, and illegal activities in Lyari, Korangi, and other areas.
His efforts resulted in the arrest of criminals and extortionists. He helped strengthen trust between the police and the public.
Despite threats and challenges, he contributed to reducing gang wars and improving peace in Karachi.
The movie focuses on events from 2007 to 2018. It is presented as an action underworld thriller.
Pakistani characters are shown in a negative and exaggerated way.
Lyari and other underworld figures are shown as heroes or powerful people. The real context is ignored.
‘An old habit of Indian cinema’
Historically, India has often portrayed Pakistan negatively in war, entertainment, and gossip.
This movie creates the impression that Pakistan is a dangerous and crime-ridden country. The film exaggerates events and characters.
Lyari is shown as a complete gang-war zone, unsafe and lawless.
Dhurandhar is meant to entertain. However, it also carries clear anti-Pakistan propaganda.
The gangster culture is glamorised, which explains why it is trending. In reality, this criminal world only brings destruction and fear.
The younger generation glorifying the movie should know that India often uses Pakistan’s name for attention.
Whether in war, entertainment, or gossip, Pakistan is shown negatively. Observers call it an ‘old habit of Indian cinema.’
Viewers should remember that the image of Pakistan in this movie is completely false.
Criticism
The film has faced criticism worldwide, including from within India.
Famous Indian content creator Dhruv Rathee has strongly criticised the trailer of filmmaker Aditya Dhar’s upcoming movie Dhurandhar.
Rathee raised concerns over the excessive violence depicted in the trailer.
Rathee shared his detailed views in a post on X, where he wrote,“Aditya Dhar has truly crossed a limit of cheapness in Bollywood. The extreme violence, gore and torture shown in his latest film trailer is the equivalent of watching ISIS beheadings and calling it ‘entertainment’.”
The Wire, a non-profit Indian news and opinion website, says, “Dhurandhar declares its intentions with the rage-bait and subtlety of a pro-establishment troll.”
“A word for Dhar’s blood-lust in his second venture, where he can’t help but dial the gore to gratuitous levels,” the report further adds.
Arfa Khanum Sherwani also expresses frustration over it. The award winning Indian journalist says, “Dhurandhar isn’t just troubling. It is a toxic cocktail of majoritarianism, anti-Muslim bigotry and misogyny, made even more dangerous by the film’s glorified violence and gore. How did the censor board even clear it ?”
Pakistani netizens have also shown great frustration over the repeated bizarre behaviour of the Indian cinema.
“The only way an Indian actor can make a comeback is by starring in an anti-Pakistan film. First SRK with Pathaan, now Ranveer Singh with Dhurandhar,” one took a jab.
Another netizen stated, “Bollywood is so obsessed with Pakistan that we now deserve a writer’s credit.”
